For years, we have been watching CRT television that involved cathode ray tube or CRT sets and analog signals. In these kinds of TVs, the signals constitutes of varying radio waves that are translated by the TV into picture and sound. Analog signals can be transmitted to a television set over the air through satellite or a cable. But CRT TVs based on the system of analog signals have certain limitations such as the conventional CRT television sets can display only around 480 visible lines of pixels and with the advancement in technology broadcasters find it difficult to fill a large television into the analog signal. Also the analog pictures are interlaced due to which on some TVs, the picture or the images flicker. Ne has to compromise with the video quality also as converting video to analog format lowers its quality. Like all other fields, the gadgets and electronics sector has also witnessed a lot of innovation and advancement in technology to make the things better. Digital TV or DTV is the answer to above mentioned limitations. Rear projection, plasma and LCD TVs are based on the system of digital signals. A liquid crystal display popularly known as LCD is a thin, flat panel that is used to display information such as text, images, and moving pictures electronically. Digital televisions are based on the principle of digital signals where the signals are transmitted in the form of binary format or 0s and 1s. The information for video and sound are transmitted as ones and zeros instead of as a wave in the case of DTVs. Due to this format, these televisions have several advantages over the CRT TVs such as the picture quality is much more improved in case of DTVs. The video is also progressive instead of being interlaced and the TV stations and broadcasters can broadcast using multicasting which includes sending several signals using the same bandwidth. Digital TV can also support high-definition or HDTV broadcasts. HDTV or High Definition TeleVisions are the digital TVs with highest of the DTV technological standards. Three major parameters define the broadcast system of HDTV including frame size in pixels which is the number of horizontal pixels x number of vertical pixels, scanning system and the third parameter is the frame rate which is identified as number of video frames per second. Currently there are two types of HDTV available in the market that includes an integrated HDTV and an HDTV ready set.
Posts Tagged ‘Video Quality’
Analog and Digital TVs
December 17th, 2009HDTV Converter – A Beginner’s Guide
November 27th, 20092009 marks a big year for television, particularly since many networks will be making the switch to digital broadcasting. Unfortunately, this means you’ll have to buy one of two things to keep on watching your favorite shows – an HD television or an HDTV converter.
Indeed, an HDTV converter will allow you to keep on watching TV like you used to by receiving the digital broadcast signals and converting them into the simpler analog signals – a language that your TV can understand. Keep in mind, though, that HDTV converters only convert broadcast signals and do NOT convert your analog TV into an HDTV. If you have been led to believe this, you have just fallen prey to a popular scam. In fact, it is NOT possible to convert an analog TV into an HDTV.
HDTV converters are not the same as HDTV tuners, although some high-end HDTV tuners also have converter capabilities. HDTV tuners receive HD signals in MPEG-2 encoded packets and decode them so that they can be displayed properly, in their optimal video quality, on the HDTV screen. They are used with HDTVs, although some already have their own built-in tuners, while HDTV converters are used with analog TVs.
Now that you know what HDTV converters do, you can go ahead and start looking for one to buy. You will be faced with several choices, and to find the best one, the most important factor to consider are the features. One such feature is the Analog (RF) Passthrough. This way, you can receive digital signals and still get analog signals from the networks that continue to use them. After all, while many networks will be making the switch to digital broadcasting, some will not, and unless you want to keep on plugging and unplugging your HD converter, getting one with an Analog Passthrough feature is recommended to get both types of broadcast signals.
Another important feature is the S-Video or Super Video Output, which is better than the standard composite video output. This allows you to have sharper and better images on your screen, although keep in mind that these are still nowhere near the excellent pictures displayed on an HDTV.
You can enjoy better audio quality if you choose the right HD converter, too. While your converter will need to convert the digital sounds to analog sounds, these will sound better if the converter has a Stereo Output, which also allows you to connect the converter to a surround sound system. Again, this is nowhere near the amazing audio quality of HDTVs but still better than what you would normally get.
It is also a good idea to get an HDTV converter with a Smart Antenna interface and an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) which allows you to easily flip through your programming options without paying a monthly fee or consulting a TV guide on paper. Different HDTV converters have different EPGs so you have to decide which type you want. Some allow you to make your own personalized program list while others provide comprehensive information about each show. Some HDTV converters have a universal remote control included, too, which can be a plus.
Aside from the features of HDTV converters, look at the brand and the cost, as well. If you have a coupon, your choices will be limited to average, relatively inexpensive ones but you can always save up for a high-end HDTV converter of your own. Afterwards, you might want to start saving up for your own HDTV, so you can truly reap the benefits of the best video and audio quality available today.
By: Chris Malone
